5 MINUTES W/ OLIVIA RENEE | HEART & AESTHETICS

Quick Stats

Weight:140lbs

Height:5’ 5”

Age:26

Why fitness?

Since a very young age I was always involved in some type of athletic activity.I played numerous sports through the end of high school.After high school I felt I needed something to channel my competitive energy into.Around that same time my oldest brother had just started training for his first bodybuilding competition, and fitness/bodybuilding caught my attention.I started going to the gym shortly after that and then just a few months later started prepping for my first show too.At this point fitness is such a central part of my lifestyle that it is hard to believe it once wasn’t even on my radar.While I quickly fell in love with the fitness lifestyle I certainly did not anticipate I would be where I am now and doing the fitness related things I am involved with at this point.

What sets you apart from other athletes?

I feel like the biggest thing is simply who I am as an individual – my heart and soul.There are plenty better/higher qualified athletes out there, but there is only one me (well that I know of haha).My competitive nature is not restricted to simply myself and my own success, I truly love rooting for others and watching them succeed.I actually usually tend to get more competitive on the behalf of someone else than I even do for myself.

How would your best is friend describe you?

A decent amount of crazy, lots of sarcasm and a whole lotta heart.

I’ve been called wild card, independent, mysterious and a few other things but those sound coolest ;).

What are your personal long term and short term goals?

In my younger years I was very much about making life plans.Did the whole 5yr and 10yr plans, but quickly realized that life does not have to follow my plans.After enough failed plans and being stressed or depressed that I failed, I quickly adopted the mentality of living in the moment and going with the flow of life.I set my “ideas” for my life but never make a set in stone life goal other than living a life that I chose and not one someone else wanted me to live.

Who inspires you and why?

My mom is definitely a big inspiration for me.From a bad childhood/rough start to life she went on to graduate college and started a career as a CPA.She worked that until making the decision to stay at home and raise us kids.She gave birth to all seven of us kids naturally, raised us all, home-schooled us, and somehow managed to not let any of us die (which my brothers and I often pushed the limits like any kid does haha).To this day she still has a crazier work ethic than anyone I know and also the biggest heart ever!Always willing to give in any way she can whenever she can.

What is your favourite Type of workout?

I love training the same muscle group multiple times a week.Up until this past week when I sprained my wrist I was focusing on building up my shoulder caps.For now I will have to primarily focus on my legs, but once the wrist heals it will be back to working on those shoulders.

What keeps you going on the hard days?

For me fitness is such an integral part of my life that I never even question not continuing on – no matter how hard the day.There are certainly those days that my mentality is off and I might skip the gym for a day or two but I’ve never entertained the idea of giving up forever.I simply shake it off and reset for the next day.

What are your favourite times to use your Gripped Headphones?

I use my Gripped Headphones almost all day long.I work from home so the moment I wake up I throw them on and after work is complete I throw them on once again for the gym.

What has been your favourite moment throughout your fitness journey?

Hard to pick one favorite moment, but one of the most influential aspects of my fitness journey is truly accepting myself (flaws included).Being in the fitness industry can damage your body image and self-esteem, but if you can get your mind right and focus on the right things being into fitness can also be the biggest confidence builder.

What’s a random fact that many people wouldn’t know about you?

I am a huge horse person!!While living in Texas I learned all things horses.Not only did I ride and care for them but I also learned and did horse training.The focus was on natural horsemanship, so I have even ridden bareback and bridle-less – which means the only way to control/communicate with the horse is by body language/energy.I also worked with horses who had been abused so needed to be handled in a kind manner to help them trust humans again.One of my favorite horse memories was a week long trail ride I did through the mountains of Oklahoma.

What has been your biggest challenge through your fitness journey, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have had in my fitness journey is being forced to go backwards in my progress.The cause of the backwards movement was various things but injuries and other health issues were often the top culprit.Seeing photos or videos of my physique prior to the setback was always the hardest part because I had to face what I had lost, and then gather the willpower to get back to it and keep going.If this type of setback only happened once that would be one thing, but over the past 2.5yrs I have had roughly 5 different things that caused my fitness journey to either pause or go backwards.

What advice would you pass on to someone in their own fitness journey?

Never quit!It sounds cliché but it holds true.There will be good days and bad days, so the only way to stay on course is to decide on that day one that no matter what this is now a part of your life and always will be.Also, keep in mind that it is alright to have those bad days, and don’t fight them or try to deny they exist but accept them, learn from them and continue on.

What workout routine has worked best for you?

My weekly routine varies often but typically consist of 5 training days and 2 days off.I love training muscle groups more than once in a week.I tend to have 2 leg days and 2 shoulder days.Then mix arm and back but occasionally swapping out a shoulder day for an extra back day.

What does a typical day of eating look like for you?

I like to rotate my protein sources around to avoid developing any issues or sensitivities.Breakfast is either egg whites & turkey bacon or some lean cut of steak.Occasionally oatmeal with blueberries as well.

Three of my meals are typically chicken and veggies, only sometimes with rice.

Post workout meal is a protein shake.

My last meal of the day varies depending upon what muscle grouped I trained.I save the high calorie items for leg day and keep it low for other days.

What's your favorite place to eat?

At home!!This allows me to have a variety of food types and be in control of what is going into my meal.

What is your Favourite Quote?

Romans 12:12

What are your hobbies and interests outside of fitness?

Animals!!Since I can remember animals have been one of my biggest passions and interests.Have owned everything from Sheep & Llama to bunnies, cats & dogs, and of course various other critters too!

What is your favourite exercise to perform and why?

Bicep curls – first exercise I learned so for sentimental reasons I love doing them!Plus can one ever have too big of biceps?!

How many pairs of shoes you own?

Too many to count but I’d guess around 30 pairs of shoes.

If you could only have one meal the rest of your life what would it be?

A magical food that turns into whatever I am in the mood for that specific day ;)

If that answer doesn’t work then I will settle for pizza!

What type of music do you listen to?

Everything!My favorite genres tend to be rock or country.

Are there any foods you don't enjoy that you force yourself to consume?

Vegan protein powder (dairy allergy means I have no choice sadly)

What is the worst injury you have ever had?

This would be a tie between getting kicked in the face which dislocated my jaw and ruptured my ear drum or hyperextending my neck (twice) while wake boarding.